by Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Sports

by Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Sports

Marty Schottenheimer thinks his former team has hit a home run in landing Andy Reid to take over the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I think it's a spectacular choice," Schottenheimer told USA TODAY Sports on Friday, with the Chiefs on the verge of signing Reid - dumped Monday by the Philadelphia Eagles - as their new coach. "I honestly think it's important to get a guy who's done it, who's been there. He's got the DNA for putting together successful teams, and he was able to sustain success over a long period of time."

Like Schottenheimer, Reid won a lot of games but could never quite get over the hump and win a Super Bowl. During a 14-year tenure with the Eagles, Reid posted a 140-102-1 record and advanced to five NFC title games. But his final Philadelphia team finished 4-12, and he failed to produce a playoff berth the past two seasons.

Now he's charged with turning around a franchise that comes off a 2-14 season and earned one playoff berth in six seasons.

Barring a snag in finalizing what is expected to be a multi-year contract, the Chiefs are expected to formally introduce Reid at a press conference on Monday, a person with knowledge of the arrangements told USA TODAY Sports.

As talks with Reid progressed, the Chiefs announced the firing of general manager Scott Pioli on Friday morning. That move makes it extremely likely that Reid's package will include authority over personnel decisions, as he had in Philadelphia.

Reid canceled interviews with the Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers to chose the Chiefs.

"He's got a hell of a lot of work to do," Schottenheimer said. "At the end of the day, it all comes down to your ability to be trustworthy and be able to address issues in a controlled, frank way. I'm excited for the Chiefs."

Schottenheimer said he talked to Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt on multiple occasions during the process, including a conversation this week. He would not characterize his role as a consultant, but in retirement, he has been a resource for the franchise's owner, stemming from a long association with the Hunt family. Clark's late father, Lamar, founded the Chiefs and was the team's owner when Schottenheimer produced seven playoff berths during 10 seasons as coach from 1989 to 1998.

"I definitely didn't have anything to do with the decision," Schottenheimer said. "But I gave my opinions."

Schottenheimer believes the Chiefs job is attractive because of the organizational structure and ownership, in addition to a small-market community that has long demonstrated rabid support for the Chiefs that is reminiscent of that for a college team.

"I think the Chiefs have some very talented young players," Schottenheimer said. "They obviously have to look at what to do with the quarterback position, but there's a great opportunity that lies in front of them."

The quarterback position is a big "if," with Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn and Ricki Stanzi on the roster. But at least Reid can start his new job while owning the No. 1 pick in the draft.